The University of Arkansas is working to improve its research ranking by giving graduate students stipends in order to boost enrollment.

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (http://bit.ly/1RPdrP3 ) reports that student enrollment has increased from nearly 18,000 students ten years ago to nearly 27,000 this past fall. But the university's top academic officer, Ashok Saxena, says that adding more graduate students to the mix is a challenge.

New plans to recruit graduate students include raising minimum stipend levels given to doctoral students working as graduate assistants with the university. More funds will also help academic departments aggressively recruit top students.

Even with the additional funds, the university will often be offering limited financial support to graduate students compared to other universities.